Diane Birch | |
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Diane Birch in 2009
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Background information | |
Born |
Michigan |
January 24, 1983
Origin | Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
Genres | Soul, blues |
Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
Instruments | Keyboards, vocal |
Years active | 2009–present |
Labels | S-Curve |
Website | www |
Diane Birch (born January 24, 1983) is an American singer-songwriter.
Birch was born in Michigan. At the age of seven Birch began studying piano using the Suzuki method. While growing up she listened to opera, classical and church music. As a child Birch lived with her family in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Sydney, Australia - her father was a Seventh-day Adventist preacher whose work took him to several countries. When she was ten, her family returned to the United States of America, and settled in Portland, Oregon. Birch attended Portland Adventist Elementary School and later, Portland Adventist Academy.
Early in her career Birch moved to Los Angeles and set out to compose music for films but instead played piano at the Beverly Hills Hotel and L'Orangerie. During this period Prince heard her perform at the Polo Lounge in 2006 and invited her to join him at his home for a music session with his band. Later, Birch moved to London, where she signed a publishing contract and wrote most of the songs that appeared on her debut album.
In 2007, she moved to New York City after signing with Steve Greenberg's S-Curve Records. Birch's debut album, Bible Belt, recorded in New York and New Orleans, was released in 2009 on S-Curve and received supportive reviews in Rolling Stone, Paper Magazine and the Huffington Post.